Water retention: 9 natural remedies to deflate

The use of plants and natural solutions which help to drain the water which is in excess in the body, by stimulating the blood microcirculation is a good solution to reject the water trapped in the tissues.

Do you often have the feeling of being bloated? or have your feet so swollen that you can’t put your shoes on? You are probably affected by edema in medical terms, or more commonly known as “fluid retention”.

This is due to an excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues. It commonly occurs in the feet and legs, but can affect other parts of the body as well.

It can be caused by factors such as high sodium intake (too much salt), a poor blood circulation, the lack of exercise, the vitamin deficiencies, L’venous insufficiency (a problem with the blood flow from the veins in the legs to the heart), stress, pregnancy, menstruation, hot weather, altitude, allergies, high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems, chronic lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, certain medications and oral contraceptives.

Fluid retention usually causes swelling of the affected parts. It can also cause stiffness in the joints, a weight change, a feeling bloated, L’increased blood pressure and increased pulse.

How to fight against water retention naturally? 9 effective home remedies to drain excess water.

1. Dandelion to reduce bloating, reduce salt level …

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that dandelion has a diuretic effect. This makes dandelion a great solution to remove excess water from your body.

he is also rich in potassium, which contributes to reduce sodium level in the body. In addition, being rich in magnesium, ideal for relieve pre-menstrual bloating.

• Pour a teaspoon of dried dandelion herbs into a cup of hot water
• Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
• Strain and drink this tea up to three times a day.

You can also take dandelion tincture supplements (500 mg 1-3 times a day).

Before starting any herbal remedy like dandelion tea, consult your doctor because dandelion may interfere with certain medications.

2. Parsley for its diuretic effect …

Like dandelion, parsley also has excellent diuretic properties.

• 2 teaspoons of dried parsley leaves in a cup of boiling water.
• Let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three times a day.

You can also drink a mixture of fresh parsley juice and lemon juice.

3. Epsom salt to expel toxins and eliminate fluids …

An Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath can help get rid of water retention. It helps to flushing fluids and excess toxins from your body. The relaxing bath also soothes sore muscles and calms the nerves.

• Mix two cups of Epsom salt in the warm bath water.
• Soak in it for about 15 minutes.
• Repeat up to three times per week.

4. Lemon juice

Lemon juice helps flush excess fluids and toxins from your body.

• Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup of hot water.
• You can also sweeten it with honey.
• Drink the solution.

Take this remedy once a day for a few days or until you see improvement.

5. Fennel seeds which promotes the evacuation of sodium in the body …

Studies have shown that fennel acts as a diuretic and helps to increase the removal of sodium and water from the kidneys. It also prevents the build-up of toxins in the body, aids digestion and relieves gas.

• Put a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of hot water.
• Cover and steep for 10 minutes, then drain.
• Drink this tea 3 times a day until you see improvement.

6. Nettle

Nettle is a natural diuretic, plant of choice for prevent and reduce water retention.

• Boil 1 cup of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of powdered nettle root.
• Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
• Drink this tea three times a day until you see improvement.

7. Alfalfa

Since the 6th century, the Chinese have used the alfalfa plant to treat kidney stones and to relieve swelling associated with fluid retention. Alfalfa is also rich in minerals and nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and carotene. The alfalfa plant is effective in cleansing the body and helps nourish and support the digestive system. It is a very good remedy to cure water retention naturally.

Drink alfalfa tea can relieve swelling and allow excess water to be expelled from the body. The leaves of the alfalfa plant can be used in herbal teas.

7. Cranberry juice for its regulating effect on liquids in the body …

Cranberry juice is another folk home remedy to cure water retention due to its diuretic properties. It is also rich in minerals like magnesium, the potassium and the calcium Who help maintain fluid balance.

• Drink 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice per day.
• You can also take cranberry pills.

8. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar relieves water retention by replenishing potassium in the body, which helps regulate sodium levels.

• Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of water.
• Drink twice a day.

You can increase the apple cider vinegar dose up to 2 tablespoons per glass.

If you have fluid retention in your legs, you can soak your feet in a hot foot bath of equal parts apple cider vinegar and hot water for about 10 minutes. It will also reduce foot odor.

9. Onion

Onion has diuretic and blood cleansing benefits. It will also prevent the formation of kidney stones.

• Boil some raw onions in 4 cups of water.
• Add salt to taste, then strain the solution.
• Drink 2-3 cups a day for a few days.

In addition to these remedies, you can try eating more diuretic foods such as cabbage, cucumber, watercress, celery, bananas, pineapples, and watermelon.

Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day (the body begins to retain water when it is dehydrated), limit your salt intake, drink less alcohol, and exercise regularly.

Some common sense tips to end water retention

Do you sometimes have the feeling of having taken a size overnight, or even from morning to night?

• The bad news : you really took a size (the proof, you take your belt back a notch and you are tight in your pants).
• The good news : it is water, and it can be eliminated as quickly as it came. To do this, get into the habit of walking briskly every day for at least 30 minutes, so as to reactivate the venous return and therefore to facilitate blood and lymphatic circulation.

Next, check your plate : you probably eat a little too salty in your case (because we are, again, all unequal). here are the 5 essential grandmother’s tips to adopt to fight against water retention :

We absorb 8 to 10g. of salt per day!

THE RIGHT REFLEXES TO PREVENT WATER RETENTION

1- LIMIT HIDDEN SALT

In order to function properly, the body needs salt, that’s a fact. But in excess, salt promotes water retention in tissues : to us the legs and swollen fingers, the puffy eyes upon waking up and the lower part of the face a little mushy. On average, we absorb 8 to 10 g of salt per day, which is almost double the 5 g recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization).

In practice, we avoid systematically placing the salt shaker on the table, but we also take care of other (enormous) sources of hidden salt : mustard, soy sauce, aperitif biscuits, certain sparkling waters, bouillon cubes, store-bought sauces, prepared meals, canned goods and other brick soups …

We also limit our consumption of bread : even if it is not very salty compared to the previous ingredients, it is one of the main vectors of salt in our
food (necessarily, since we eat in larger quantities).

But to avoid eating bland, we may allow ourselves a little salt in the water.
cooking vegetables, potatoes, rice and pasta: it really enhances the taste of cooked ingredients, and will largely disappear when drained.

2- ADOPT THE AROMATES

WE ABUSE AROMATOES TO REPLACE SALT

Without salt, many recipes can seem bland, especially if you are used to eating quite salty. So reduce the amount of salt added gradually, while increasing the use of aromatics:

Spices, pressed garlic, minced shallot, fresh herbs, homemade flavored oils (dip a clove of garlic, fresh ginger, sprigs of thyme or rosemary in a bottle of olive oil, frankly, there is no nothing’s easier).

Also think about seeds that are lightly roasted or not (sesame, sunflower, flax, squash, poppy, chia … Your taste buds will see nothing but fire.

3- PREFER FOODS RICH IN POTASSIUM (K)

This mineral balances the sodium threshold in the body, and therefore reduces the phenomenon of water retention. And where is it? Mainly in vegetables and fruits.
Leek, avocado, zucchini and squash, banana, melon, apricot, peach, artichoke, kiwi… are excellent draining allies.

4- EAT PROTEIN

What is the link with water retention, you will say? Quite simply, proteins help limit water retention. If the blood does not contain enough protein, the water collects in the tissues. Meat, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts… are therefore essential for every meal.

5- DRINK A LOT

Contrary to what one might think, drinking does not cause water retention, unless you only drink carbonated water, because it is rich in sodium. Avoid drinking, thinking eliminating is a misconception, because the body can start to store water if it feels threatened with dehydration. It is therefore better to drink regularly, throughout the day and in sufficient quantity. (Read here, how much daily water should we drink?)